The ruling National Conference Party in Sudan accused the U.S. of escalating the crisis between the Northern and Southern Sudan. The Party stressed its refusal to U.S. threats of taking punitive actions against Sudan. It called the U.S. to take into account the violations committed by Sudan people's liberation movement. Sudanese newspaper Akher Lahza said the National Conference denied any connection with the liberation movement to resolve pending issues, confirming its readiness to resume the dialogue with the movement on May 28. Consultant of Sudan's President, Dr. Mustafa Othman Ismail, said the erupted situation in Abyei will not cause war. He accused leaders of the movement of causing continuous tension between the north and South. Ismail called the movement to deal with the Sudanese government realistically through dialogue; warning that a state of insecurity could hit the new nation before its establishment in July. The crisis erupted in the disputed area of Abyei, which led to bloody clashes between the Sudanese Armed troops and the Public Army troops on May 19.
